OUR MIDWESTERN MUSE:

Maya Mougey Speaks Artistry

Written By Luke Nichols

Growing up is hard–it is filled with angst and uncertainty as we attempt to make our way in the world. Motivated to find outlets for connection, many of us turn to music in an attempt to feel like we are a part of something. And few others are able to instill this sense of solidarity and wholeness quite like up-and-coming country pop star, Maya Mougey.

For Maya, pen, paper and instruments filled her days before she could even walk. Influenced by imaginative realities where anything was possible, Maya began writing fantastical stories about rough and tough cowboys and future boyfriends. But it wasn’t until she saw Carol King’s Broadway show and her first Taylor Swift concert in elementary school that solidified her passion for music.

In the 5th grade, Maya joined the Columbus Songwriters Association, a group of like-minded creatives, most of whom had graduated college long before Maya was born. But Maya was undeterred by the challenge presented by her age, enjoying the honest feedback she received from seasoned artists. In time, she began writing lyrics that were more grounded in reality, speaking openly about the experiences that shaped who she was.

But as Maya aged, she began to see the pitfalls of growing up in a small midwestern town where everyone knew everyone. Tales of the previous week’s football game were passed around like currency similar to how high school prom was the biggest event of the year–Maya understood she was in a bubble. 

Maya’s environment was constricting, making her feel like she had to act in a certain way to be accepted. To cope, Maya put up a facade for the world to see that was approved of on the surface. But once her outward appearance was stripped away, Maya didn’t know where she stood within her own town. This is when Maya turned to songwriting as an outlet, helping her tackle issues of identity as she found it easy to be transparent with herself when writing and performing–her very own voice of truth. 

Coming from a vulnerable and highly personal place, Maya’s music feels like a conversation someone has with themselves. Open and honest, her songs offer a time capsule of memories that read more like a diary entry accompanied by percussive guitar, poppy melodies and catchy choruses.

What is most emotional for Maya, however, is the feelings of the audience when she performs live. Similar to how a song can perfectly articulate the thoughts swirling around in someone’s head, in every song, Maya discusses the triumphs and growing pains of getting older. She makes each audience member feel as if they are the only one in the room, expressing sentiments that listeners were unable to vocalize themselves.

While aging can feel alienating, Maya’s lyrics show that she is in the same position as everyone else, giving an outlet to people not to feel alone. And with a light-hearted, optimistic outlook on the future, Maya reassures her audience that although times can be difficult, everything will always turn out okay. 

Now collaborating with friend and producer, Colin Love, Maya is setting her sights on the future. With a handful of singles already recorded and mastered, Maya anticipates her first DSP release at the end of September. Titled, “Road 2 Ruin,” Maya speaks on her past relationship and the struggles of letting someone go. Raw and powerful, Maya’s acoustic voice is layered with a strong, poppy beat, drawing inspiration from electronic soul artist, Joji.

Currently based in LA, Maya carries her small-town charisma with her as she continues to navigate the ever-expanding city of angels. And still writing incessantly about her experiences, Maya continues to capture the hearts of more and more with every song she writes, lust for life and all.